Busting Brackets
Fansided

ACC Basketball: Current storylines following 2020 ACC/Big Ten Challenge

By Jerran Anderson

Dec 5, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers guard Xavier Johnson (1) dunks against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the first half at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers guard Xavier Johnson (1) dunks against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the first half at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
ACC Basketball Duke Blue Devils Mike Krzyzewski Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
ACC Basketball Duke Blue Devils Mike Krzyzewski Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Duke Blue Devils cancels remainder of non-conference schedule

It was announced on Thursday evening by Jeff Goodman that the Duke Blue Devils canceled their remaining non-conference games and a lot of college basketball was up in arms. On the surface, it’s understandable that fans on the outside looking in would think the Blue Devils are running away from competition.

But not so fast…the Blue Devils were originally scheduled to play the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, however, their program is on a “pause” due to Covid-19 protocols. They were also set to play the Gardner Webb Bulldogs on Dec. 19, which was also rescheduled due to Covid-19 protocols.

If anything, it gives the Blue Devils time to adjust. One thing that’s apparent is: they need to start Jeremy Roach!  Roach is averaging just 7.3 points, 3.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.0 turnovers per contest through 25.3 minutes of action, true. He also put up 13 points, seven assists and four rebounds with zero turnovers against a tough Illinois backcourt in 31 minutes of play as a freshman in their loss against Illinois.

Canceling two games isn’t so bad after all. Duke’s first ACC game is scheduled on Dec. 16 against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The thinking here is players will have some time to enjoy their families and balance the adversity the college basketball season has brought on many.